Pilieci joined the Citizen’s Business section in 2000 after working as a business and technology writer at the National Post. He became the Citizen’s technology reporter in 2007.

In this beat, his topics range from reviews of games and the latest tablet computers to in-depth examinations of such issues as the impact of social networking on mental health.

“Vito’s win recognizes that his tech coverage has incredibly broad appeal — vital to those inside the industry as he reports on innovation and creativity, and to the consumers of technology who he has helped understand the difference between what’s hot and why, and what’s hot, and why not. That’s difficult to be rolled into a single reporter, but he’s managed extremely well. We’re very proud of him,” said Gerry Nott, Publisher and Editor in Chief of the Citizen.

Two other Ottawa winners were named at the event.

Sebastien Marineau-Mes, senior vice-president of engineering at QNX Software Systems, received the Telfer School of Management Award for Private Sector Leadership in Advanced Technology.

The Pythian Group Inc. received the ICTC Information Technology HR Strategic Leadership Award.